White aphid: what it is and 10 home remedies to eliminate it

When a garden is grown naturally, a few aphids are not much of a nuisance. With a little patience and the proper home remedies, you can get rid of the bugs without resorting to chemicals. The top priority is to stay calm and take consistent action against pests.

WHY DO WHITE APHIDS APPEAR?

He temperature increase since spring and humidity are the factors that favor the appearance of white aphids on plants.

The white aphid or aphid is dangerous because it perforates the plant until it reaches the conduits through which the sap circulates. It feeds on proteins and digests and expels sugars, which it excretes in the form of a kind of molasses. in this molassesmushrooms grow which cause even more damage than the aphid itself.

Furthermore, the plant remains exposed to infection with viruses and bacteria that penetrate into it through the perforations. If not treated in time, fungi, bacteria, and viruses can kill the plant.

Symptoms of infestation with white aphids

In addition to aphids, the leaves of the plant can turn yellow because they do not receive chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. They can also dry out and warp.

Proven home remedies against aphids

White aphids can be combated with chemical pesticides, but these can be more harmful than the pest itself and by contaminating the environment they can affect other living beings, including people. Whenever possible, the natural home remedies they are more suitable for getting rid of pests in a safe way.

1. Potassium soap (potash)

The best known means of combating white aphids is potassium soap, also known as potash. Does not contain artificial fragrances, colors or thickeners.

Read Also: How to take advantage of disappointment to improve

this soap is able to unhook sticky aphids from the leaves and stems of the plant.

Ingredients:

50 g of potassium soap 1 liter of lukewarm water

If the infestation is severe, you can also add 20 ml of alcohol to the mixture and spray the infested plant.

2. Repelling plants

Some plants naturally have a deterrent effect on aphids. This not only protects them from the infestation, but also the neighboring plants. The correct combination of plants is important in this case:

the savory protect green beans.Lavender protect the roses.the nasturtium to tomatoes and fruit trees.the chervil to the lettuce

3. Natural predators

Fortunately, white aphids also have a number of natural predators. Ladybugs and their larvae are particularly effective. They eat up to 400 aphids a day. Lacewing larvae are even more voracious. Each of these larvae can eliminate 500 aphids.

Abroad, you can attract these beneficial insects with a varied garden in which, of course, insecticides cannot be used.

plant broths

In the fight against the white aphid, Infusions made from certain plants have also demonstrated their effectiveness. They grow almost everywhere.

Sprayed on the pests, especially on the underside of the leaves, for several days, They effectively help eliminate aphid infestation.

4. Nettle broth

An effective way to combat white aphids is with a broth that you can easily make from nettles.

Ingredients:

200 g of fresh nettles or 20 g of dried nettles. 1 liter of water.

Elaboration:

Crush the nettles with gloved hands, scissors, or a knife and pour cold water over them. Let stand at least twelve hours. Filter all solid components with a cloth or sieve and use the undiluted broth to spray plants affected by aphids.

Read Also: Make your own soap without caustic soda or additives

If the nettle broth ferments (you will notice it by the smell) it should not be sprayed on the plants, but can be used as fertilizer.

5. Ivy leaves

Common ivy, which grows in most of our gardens, is poisonous to aphids. The saponins it contains kill aphids even in low concentrations.

Ingredients:

50 ivy leaves. 1 liter of water.

Elaboration:

Chop the ivy coarsely and let it boil in a liter of water over medium heat for at least 30 minutes. After cooling, sift the leaves and squeeze them again by hand. The broth can be sprayed undiluted on the aphids.

From garlic to black tea

6. Garlic

If you plant among your crops garlic or other relatives of the family of Alliumsuch as onions or leeks, You will not only be able to get rid of aphids, but also voles or field mice.

With indoor plants an infusion of garlic has proven to be effective in protecting against annoying aphids.

Ingredients:

50 g of fresh garlic 1 liter of water

Elaboration:

Chop the garlic into small pieces and pour boiling water over them. After leaving for 30 minutes, strain through a cloth and allow to cool completely. Then spray undiluted on the aphids.

7. neem oil

Using neem oil to get rid of an aphid infestation is very simple. all you need is some neem tincture and a spray bottle.

Ingredients:

30 drops of neem oil 1 liter of water

8. Infusion of oregano

Oregano contains substances that act against the white aphid. As a spray, it is not only quick to make, but also It is completely harmless to humans and pets.
Ingredients:

Read Also: Yellow stools: what they mean and when to worry

100 g of fresh oregano or 10 g of dried oregano leaves 1 liter of water

Elaboration:

Pour boiling water over the oregano and let it steep for about 20 minutes. Strain the solids through a cloth or colander and allow the infusion to cool to room temperature. Dilute with water 1 to 3 before basting.

9. Infusion of horse chestnut

Less well known, but still very effective against lice, are the brown fruits of the horse chestnut tree. The common horse chestnut is widespread in our country. Surely there is a chestnut tree near you.

Ingredients:

10 ripe chestnuts 1 liter of water

Elaboration:

Chop or crush the chestnuts and simmer in the water for about 30 minutes. After cooling and straining, you can spray the undiluted broth on the infested plants.